Hiking to the Lötschenpasshütte in Summer

 T2 | +700m | 2 ½ h | -700m | 2 h

The starting point of this hike is Lauchernalp, which can be reached from Wiler in the Lötschental valley by cable car . The trail initially leads past the Bergsonne restaurant on the left, following the ski lift uphill across meadows to the Berghaus restaurant, the highest building on the alp. From there, the hiking trail continues westward, gently ascending through a large hollow, across the Mälcherböden meadows, and along the slope to the Golmbach stream. After crossing the stream, the path climbs steeply and the terrain becomes rockier.

After about 1.5 hours, you reach the Hockensatteleggi pass at 2566 meters above sea level. The well-marked trail now leads through rocky terrain. With a bit of luck, you might spot ibex or ptarmigan along this section. After another 30 minutes, you reach an area with numerous small lakes, perfect for swimming or a Kneipp treatment. On the horizon below the Ferdenrothorn, a large cairn is now visible, from which the hut comes into view for the first time.

 Map_Lauchernalp-Lötschenpass

 T2 | +1320m | 4 ½  h | -1320m | 2 ¾ h

Those who don't mind long and steep climbs will be rewarded with a hike through all vegetation zones. The starting point of this route is Ferden. The hiking trail begins opposite the hotel zeitlos, leads past the sun-weathered wooden houses, and branches off to the right a few meters after the village. The path now climbs steadily through the forest, briefly reaches the Kummenalp road, and then turns right again. After a few switchbacks, you reach Eistli (1728 m a.s.l.), a cluster of a few barns, after about an hour.

Following the signposts, the route leads through dense forest, follows the course of the Färdanbach stream, and reaches the Kummenalp restaurant after about 2 hours. Here, the typical alpine landscape prevails: cows and sheep share the lush grass.

At the Kummenalp parking area, the trail branches off to the north, past the fountain and the alpine huts on the right. Caution: Do not go between the huts under any circumstances, otherwise you will mistakenly reach the trail to the Ferdenpass!
For about an hour, you ascend through alpine pastures and meadows to the Meieli (2415 m a.s.l.), a prominent rocky outcrop to the left of the trail. The path then continues relatively flat for about 300 meters along an old water conduit and crosses the stream. The remaining 300 meters of elevation gain are then climbed in switchbacks. With a bit of luck, you might spot ibex here. The first large cairn comes into view, and shortly afterward, you reach a beautiful mountain lake from which the hut is visible.

 Map_Ferden_Lötschenpass
 

 T3 | +1500m | 7 h | -1500m | 5h

From Kandersteg train station, follow the signs south to Eggenschwand, where the Sunnbühlbahn valley station is located. Alternatively, this route can also be covered by local bus, reducing the walking time by half an hour. In Eggenschwand, the hiking trail runs along the right bank of the Kander River and climbs through the impressive gorge into the Gasterntal valley. After about an hour, you reach the Waldhaus (forest lodge), and the trail then continues with only a gentle incline through the wild and romantic Gasterntal. In June, you can admire the very rare lady's slipper orchids, an endangered species.

If you turn right at the Bletschuweidli signpost towards the Lötschenpass after 2.5 hours, you won't pass directly through Selden. If you prefer to take a break at the Hotel Steinbock or the Hotel Selden , follow the road and you'll reach both Alternatively, you can take the taxi bus from Kandersteg to Selden, which stops directly in front of Hotel Steinbock (1,550 m above sea level). Reservation is mandatory by calling +41 33 671 11 72.

  T3 | +1100m | 4 h | -1100m | 2 ½ h

The well-marked hiking trail branches off directly in front of the Hotel Steinbock and crosses the Kander River via an impressive suspension bridge. The trail then ascends 300 meters in altitude over the next 60 minutes via switchbacks to Gfellalp (1845 m a.s.l.). The path continues upwards across alpine meadows and reaches Läckboden, a plateau offering magnificent views into the valley basin with its rock faces.
The ascent then continues below the east face of the Balmhorn, almost reaching Balme at 2400 m a.s.l., and then onto the glacier, which is well-marked with poles. After crossing the glacier, the trail leads south along the moraine to a rocky outcrop. The final 45 minutes involve some steep sections in rocky terrain, some of which are secured with wire ropes. After the strenuous climb, hikers are rewarded with a view of the Valais four-thousand-meter peaks, and finally, the hut comes into view, which can be reached in just a few minutes.

 Caution: The Roman Road has not been maintained for several years, and hiking it is at your own risk.

 Map_Kandersteg_Selden
 Map_Selden_Löpa

 

Accommodation in Selden
It's worth making a stop in the tranquil and picturesque Gastern Valley. Whether to admire the lady's slipper orchids in June, marvel at the wonderful wildflower meadows in early summer, or simply enjoy the hospitality of our neighboring establishments.

Hotel Steinbock, Selden  
Hotel Gasterntal, Selden  
Berggasthaus Heimritz, Selden  
 

 T3 | +1300m | 6 ½ h | -1300m | 5 h

The hike begins at the village square in Leukerbad. It then winds its way through the underpass near the Lindner Hotels to the ring road, following the forest path towards Alp Folljeret. The hiking trail continues via Majing to Flüealp. A worthwhile alternative is the ascent on the right side of the valley from Leukerbad via Buljes and Clabinualp to the Flüe Chapel, and from there across the suspension bridge to Flüealp. The trail then leads eastwards up the valley across alpine pastures. Further up, a steeper section leads through scree fields before reaching the Gitzifurggu via slabby terrain.

From the lowest point of the Gitzifurggu, the marked trail descends over slabs of rock and steep, stony terrain to the hut.

 A few overnight accommodations are available at Flüealp by prior arrangement. The alpine inn is also open during the alpine season, and the dairymaid treats her guests to fresh cakes and homemade cheese specialties. 
Contact: fluhalpe(at)bluewin.ch